John Segawa: Why he is loved and hated
Dec 06, 2005
John Segawa, 34, is a director, stage manager and actor of Afri-talent, one of the leading local drama groups. The tabloids have made many believe that he is a philanderer, a rich, careless and arrogant boy.
By Emmanuel Ssejjengo
John Segawa, 34, is a director, stage manager and actor of Afri-talent, one of the leading local drama groups. The tabloids have made many believe that he is a philanderer, a rich, careless and arrogant boy.
He has not just achieved fame; he was born with it. It started with his looks. Many theatergoers think he is handsome. Bukedde at one time rated him as the most handsome man in the land. One cannot be blamed for thinking this could have been the reason he was sent to single-sex schools to concentrate on his studies.
For Primary, Segawa went to Mugwanya Preparatory School, Kabojja and St. Savio Junior School, Kisubi. For Secondary, it was St. Henry’s College Kitovu, St. Charles Lwanga, Kasasa and St. Edwards, Bukumi. All are schools affiliated to the catholic Brothers of Christian instruction. Off the stage, Segawa speaks like a monk. Calm and polite to the ear. “I am an art teacher by profession,†he says. Why then not a drama teacher? “I started participating in drama contests as early as primary school, but I did not envisage it to become an occupation.â€
He has been credited with creating artistically rich stages. His education in art characterises his stage set-ups. “For the not very artistic stage, I just work as a guide,†he says. But he usually gets involved with the concept, design and painting. It is something he has been doing since 1994 when he joined Afri-talent.
His father still does not agree to his son’s occupation.
Segawa’s moment came when he shared the stage with already seasoned actors like Abby Mukiibi, Mariam Ndagire, Ashraf Ssemwogerere and Kato Lubwama when Afri-Diamonds was still alive. “The fans got to know me then,†he says. In 2000, members of Afri-diamonds disagreed and the group split, leading to the birth of Afri-talent and Diamond’s Ensemble. It took Segawa only two years to confirm his brilliance on stage and in management. His company became a phenomenon in 1997 with Mpereketta, a populist play, that tackled Buganda’s land issues.
His fame, resting on solid personal achievements, soared. But he is paying the price. “The tabloids just write anything about me. It has affected my relationship with some people,†he comments.
While on stage, it is common to hear women shout out malicious and slanderous comments. “I would die first before Segawa got saved,†one shouted. And another time someone shouted; “Why do handsome men like you behave like prostitutes?†He simply laughed.
Though most of his colleagues have rushed to FM stations or into music, Segawa has stuck to theatre. “You lose focus. Where is the priority?†he asks. He experienced this when he worked as a producer at Radio Two, only to leave the station eight months after and go back to his Bat Valley theatre office. Segawa is a father of three, all mothered by different women.
“I am with Mariam Ndagire,†he says. The couple owns Angels’ Academy in Mubende, Red Nite bar in Kavule and Crystal labels, a promotions company.
Ndagire is also a director and actress with Afri-talent. For long, the two have been together on and off the stage. So, when are the wedding bells? You will not hear them “because people will not know about it,†he says.
Ends
John Segawa, 34, is a director, stage manager and actor of Afri-talent, one of the leading local drama groups. The tabloids have made many believe that he is a philanderer, a rich, careless and arrogant boy.
He has not just achieved fame; he was born with it. It started with his looks. Many theatergoers think he is handsome. Bukedde at one time rated him as the most handsome man in the land. One cannot be blamed for thinking this could have been the reason he was sent to single-sex schools to concentrate on his studies.
For Primary, Segawa went to Mugwanya Preparatory School, Kabojja and St. Savio Junior School, Kisubi. For Secondary, it was St. Henry’s College Kitovu, St. Charles Lwanga, Kasasa and St. Edwards, Bukumi. All are schools affiliated to the catholic Brothers of Christian instruction. Off the stage, Segawa speaks like a monk. Calm and polite to the ear. “I am an art teacher by profession,†he says. Why then not a drama teacher? “I started participating in drama contests as early as primary school, but I did not envisage it to become an occupation.â€
He has been credited with creating artistically rich stages. His education in art characterises his stage set-ups. “For the not very artistic stage, I just work as a guide,†he says. But he usually gets involved with the concept, design and painting. It is something he has been doing since 1994 when he joined Afri-talent.
His father still does not agree to his son’s occupation.
Segawa’s moment came when he shared the stage with already seasoned actors like Abby Mukiibi, Mariam Ndagire, Ashraf Ssemwogerere and Kato Lubwama when Afri-Diamonds was still alive. “The fans got to know me then,†he says. In 2000, members of Afri-diamonds disagreed and the group split, leading to the birth of Afri-talent and Diamond’s Ensemble. It took Segawa only two years to confirm his brilliance on stage and in management. His company became a phenomenon in 1997 with Mpereketta, a populist play, that tackled Buganda’s land issues.
His fame, resting on solid personal achievements, soared. But he is paying the price. “The tabloids just write anything about me. It has affected my relationship with some people,†he comments.
While on stage, it is common to hear women shout out malicious and slanderous comments. “I would die first before Segawa got saved,†one shouted. And another time someone shouted; “Why do handsome men like you behave like prostitutes?†He simply laughed.
Though most of his colleagues have rushed to FM stations or into music, Segawa has stuck to theatre. “You lose focus. Where is the priority?†he asks. He experienced this when he worked as a producer at Radio Two, only to leave the station eight months after and go back to his Bat Valley theatre office. Segawa is a father of three, all mothered by different women.
“I am with Mariam Ndagire,†he says. The couple owns Angels’ Academy in Mubende, Red Nite bar in Kavule and Crystal labels, a promotions company.
Ndagire is also a director and actress with Afri-talent. For long, the two have been together on and off the stage. So, when are the wedding bells? You will not hear them “because people will not know about it,†he says.
Ends